Evaluation of Association of Anthropometric Indices Related to Obesity with Pulmonary Function Tests in Female Medical Students: An Institutional Based Study

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity and body fat distribution are important predictors of coronary heart disease. Pulmonary function tests are usually carried out for assessing the functional impairments and to make diagnosis. Hence; we planned the present study to evaluation of association of anthropometric indices related to obesity with pulmonary function tests in female medical students. Methods: The present investigation included assessment of association of Anthropometric Indices Related to Obesity with Pulmonary Function Tests in Female Medical Students. Total of 150 female medical students were included in the present study. Measurement of the height, hip circumference, and weight of all the subjects was done.  Waist circumference was measured and value of equal to or less than 80 cm was considered as normal, while subjects with value of more than 80 cm were considered at high risk. In the sitting position by using the nose clips, spirometry was performed in all the subjects. The pulmonary parameters recorded included Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), Forced Expiratory Flow {FEF (25-75%)}, Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV1 FVC. Respiratory Rate (RR) was also noted.  Results: Mean FVC and FEV1 in the present study was found to be 2.5 and 2.3 respectively. Mean respiratory rate was found to be 15 per minute. We obtained significant correlation between difference anthropometric variables related to obesity and lung function tests in female medical studies. Conclusions: Significant correlation exists between difference anthropometric variables related to obesity and lung function tests in female medical students.